Definition of illuminate
1 archaic : brightened with light
2 archaic : intellectually or spiritually enlightened
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15th Century
First Known Use of illuminate
15th century
Definition of illuminate
illuminated
;illuminating
transitive verb
1a : to enlighten spiritually or intellectuallyb (1) : to supply or brighten with light (2) : to make luminous or shiningc archaic : to set alightd : to subject to radiation
2a : to make clear : elucidateb : to bring to the fore : highlight a crisis can illuminate how interdependent we all are
3 : to make illustrious or resplendent
4 : to decorate (something, such as a manuscript) with gold or silver or brilliant colors or with often elaborate designs or miniature pictures
Examples of illuminate in a Sentence
the part of the moon illuminated by the sun
A university study has illuminated the problem.
Origin and Etymology of illuminate
Middle English, from Latin illuminatus, past participle of illuminare, from in- + luminare to light up, from lumin-, lumen light — more at luminary
First Known Use: 15th century
Definition of illuminate
archaic
: one having or claiming unusual enlightenment
1600
First Known Use of illuminate
1600
ILLUMINATE Defined for English Language Learners
illuminate
playDefinition of illuminate for English Language Learners
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: to supply (something) with light : to shine light on (something)
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: to make (something) clear and easier to understand
ILLUMINATE Defined for Kids
illuminate
playDefinition of illuminate for Students
illuminated
;illuminating
1 : to supply with light : light up He clutched Rose as a dazzling blast illuminated the lobby… — Brian Selznick, Wonderstruck
2 : to make clear : explain His speech illuminated the subject.
Learn More about illuminate
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See words that rhyme with illuminate Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for illuminate Spanish Central: Translation of illuminate Nglish: Translation of illuminate for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of illuminate for Arabic speakers
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